THE TURKISH STATE: TARGETING CIVILIANS AND COMMITTING WAR CRIMES
In recent weeks, following the fall of dictator Bashar Al-Assad, northern Syria and Rojava have witnessed severe attacks. What should have marked the start of a peaceful dialogue and democratic transition has instead become a battleground for foreign interests, threatening the region’s stability.
26 Civilians killed in Tishreen Dam area
Attacks by Turkish forces have focused on two critical points: the Qara-Qozak Bridge and the Tishreen Dam. These two locations represent vital links between Manbij and Kobane, while control of these locations is crucial for the Turkish state to advance its desired invasion. Damage to the dam’s infrastructure risks catastrophic consequences for up to one million people downstream, threatening lives and livelihoods in urban centers like Raqqa and surrounding areas.
The Turkish state has only escalated its attacks, targeting civilians gathered on the dam and nearby civilian areas with drones, F-16 warplanes, and artillery, leading to many casualties. According to Mesopotamia News Agency, since the 8th of December 26 civilians, including elderly people, women, children, international activists, journalists, artists and politicians, have lost their lives and at least 247 people have been wounded due to the airstrikes launched by Turkey and affiliated paramilitary groups. Even ambulances attempting to transport the wounded were not spared, causing two ambulances to be destroyed and three health workers to lose their lives.
Further 18 civilians killed by Turkish Drones in three different places across Rojava
On the 26th of January, three civilians, including two children were killed in the eastern countryside of Ain Issa.
On the 27th of January, three members of a family, one of them a child, ere killed in a Turkish drone strike in the village of Um Hermel in Zirgan district. Eight people were wounded.
On the 28th of January, the occupying Turkish state bombed the city of Siren, about 40 kilometers north of the Tishreen Dam. Twelve were killed, while an additional thirteen people were injured.
We urge immediate action and solidarity to address these violations and prevent further escalation:
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Compel Compliance with International Law – We call on all international organizations in which Turkey is a member, to pressure them to adhere to international law and halt their campaign of ethnic cleansing.
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End Turkish Aggression in Syria – Turkey must be pressured to rein in its proxy forces and honor existing ceasefires immediately.
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Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) ( 29.01.2025)
